Happy Sunday Loves!

Hello, lovelies! 

So, if you've seen my youtube video with my Feb 2017 TBR on it, you know what's on this list.  However, it has been altered slightly!  As I've read some of them.  (please ignore the lack of update on the TBR sidebar over there...I'm getting to it).  I've already read a handful of books on this list.  Including just recently finishing "The Kept Woman" by Karin Slaughter. 

My next book of choice is probably going to be "Small Great Things" by Jodi Picoult, and I believe this will be my first novel by her, so I'm kind of excited.  I've also got a few reviews that I plan on getting up this week, as I've finished a couple of NetGalley books so far this year and I need to get those reviews up.  

This past week, I do apologize for my radio silence.  I have been super busy getting ready for the 5k that I participated in yesterday morning.  It was a major endorphin rush, and I am kinda addicted to it now.  I came in under an hour, which makes me kinda happy, I'm not as good as some that have participated in this countless times and run a lot more than I do at this point - my official time was 53:46, not bad for 3.1 miles.  I did walk quite a bit of it, but even still, I got my steps and my exercise for the day and I did spend most of yesterday in recovery mode which I needed.  

I did learn a few things, and I am currently working on saving up for some decent running shoes, tank and long sleeves for running, as well as a new sports bra with support because I am quite a bit top heavy and need the support.  

Finish line!  This is honestly the picture I am the proudest of.  It was taken after I crossed the finish line, with my finisher medal.  I am definitely looking forward to next year's Blue and Grey 5k, and I hope to have lost a bit more weight and will definitely be working on my training as well as increasing my endurance so maybe I can shave quite a bit off my time and run a bit more of the track than I did this year.  Not bad for my first ever 5k and crossing something off my bucket list.  

I think that's about all I've got for you today!  <3 

See you soon! 

The End is Close

In six days I will be participating in my first 5k. I am both nervous and excited.  I know that it will be challenging,  I won't be running the whole thing,  but I will be running some of it.  I am not in the shape I wanted to be for the event,  but it is too late now. 

I will maybe vlog some of it,  I haven't decided yet. Though there will be a vlog of things this weekend since it is the Olustee festival here in town. That means craft fair and all sorts of things,  and hopefully I will be able to get something small to send to a teacher in France for her class. 

I have a new bullet journal video to film soon now that I have my new LT1917 as well as my new fine nib fountain pen.  Matching colors too. 

I don't really have a whole lot left to talk about today. 

I am almost done with Blood Vow by J.R. Ward and I am also going to be starting a book on my kindle that I cannot think of the title of.  I have 3 reviews that will hopefully be out this week. 

WLW: Random Lovely Things

Hello lovelies! 

Renovations are complete, they were complete on Saturday, but I've been using the time to attempt to recenter myself and bring back the calming energy that seemed to have vanished for the duration of the time my house was in chaos.  So, let's get back into the swing of things! 

Anyway, today's wish list includes a few things that support fantastic causes, some books that I want, and also a few supplies for my bullet journal, because you know my wishlist wouldn't be complete without supplies for my bullet journal!

The #GirlLove Rafiki is high up on my wish list.  It was created by Lilly Singh, aka iiSuperwomanii.  This project, which began on her birthday last year, was inspired by her trip to Kenya.  Each bracelet sold helps to fund education for girls in Kenya.  At $15 it is super affordable, I just have to find the extra funds to get it.  I'm loving the design and the fact that it helps to give young girls an education that they so desperately need is just a bonus to owning this absolutely wonderful bracelet, that is actually handmade by a woman in Kenya.  If you want to purchase one for yourself, you can find them here.

I am by far and away in love with anything Studio Ghibli, but My Neighbor Totoro is by far my all time favorite (Sorry Spirited Away...just kidding you'll always be my #1).  I want a snuggly little Totoro to cuddle up with because he is just so totally adorable.  This one is $10 on Poshmark and I am seriously considering ordering him when I get paid.  If you want this lovable little guy you can find him here.

If you've seen my bullet journal or yesterday's video you know by now, that I am totally in love with Washi tape, and well...my WLW wouldn't be complete without some washi.  These are on my wishlist through AliExpress, and I totally love it.  I don't mind waiting a few weeks for it because usually, I forget that I've ordered from them until it shows up in my mailbox :D  If you want to see these patterns or other that are offered from them you can go here.

I think that's all I got for you this week! <3 

See you next time! 

Bullet Journaling and Me: My Essentials & Favorites

Anyone that knows me, knows that I have started bullet journaling.  This is something that is very, very near and dear to my heart, and I am honestly so very, very thankful for this simple system created by Ryder Caroll.  It is forgiving.  It is simple.  it is 100% customizable to the individual needs.

I have only been bullet journaling since August of 2015, but it has become such an important part of my daily routines that I am feeling less anxious, less depressed - that's not to say that it is a cure-all for these particular things.  It is saying that it helps ease my own anxiety and depression - because I force myself to focus on certain things and not focus on others.  In the nearly five months that I have been doing this, I have come across some of my favorite things that are ALWAYS with me when I work on creating new things in my bullet journal when I update things and all sorts of things like that.  I'm going to share with you some of my favorites. (Yes, I know there are already hundreds of blog posts and videos like this but this is -my- list and there is only one like it.)

Anyway! Let's get onto the list! Each item in the list will link to my favorite items that I use when I work in my bullet journal.  Additional links will be found at the bottom of this list.  Also, check out the video on my youtube channel where you can see my washi collection as well as a few other items. 

1. A Notebook. 

Seriously, any kind of notebook will work for this.  Cheap spiral bound notebook, cheap composition book (ruled or graph).  I started with a simple sketchbook and when I ran out of pages in that one, switched to a Leuchtturm1917 dotted notebook - which I promptly fell in love with.  Eventually, I think I do want to purchase the official Bullet Journal edition of the Leuchtturm1917 from the official site.  If you are sure you are going to keep up with it, or not sure you want to drop $20 on a notebook, then go with something more affordable and just have fun with it.  Don't stress on the book that you are using because that will take all the fun out of it - trust me. 

2. A Pen. 

Anything from a cheap ballpoint pen to a fancy fountain pen.  That is all you really need to go with your notebook.  I, however, have been using anything from rollerball gel pens to my fountain pen, to Staedtler fineliners and Micron pens in mine. I also have a set of cheap brush pens, Crayola markers, colored pencils, and some simple highlighters that I've used in mine as of late.  

Those are literally all the essential things that you need for Bullet Journaling.  A notebook and a pen, that's all.  The simple system is easily modified and you can customize it to whatever you need it for.  

The next set of things are some of my absolute FAVORITE things to include in my spreads in my bullet journal, and I think that is just because I'm not partial to the minimalist style of bullet journaling.  I blame the fact that I used to scrapbook (and still do kinda).  

1. Washi Tape

This decorative tape comes in various sizes and thousands upon thousands of different prints. There are check boxes, days of the week, holidays, animations, cutesy things, and so many other things that are printed on these tapes.  There are cloth varieties and some that are more of a slick surfaced tape. They can be written on (usually with a Sharpie marker).  

2. Stickers

I have always been obsessed with stickers.  All varieties, shapes, and sizes.  Various themes.  Letters.  Numbers.  Fancy ones, plain ones.  I just like adding them as little touches of color and uniqueness throughout my spreads.  I might even base a weekly theme off a certain set of stickers (or I have been known to do such for washi tape as well).  There are so many options when it comes to using stickers, but ultimately they are not necessary, but an additional thing you can add to your journal. 

3. Ruler or Geometry kit (yes, think the one you had to buy for school).

Rulers and things like protractors and things are NOT a necessity, however, if you wish to include things like mood mandalas, or you are incapable of drawing a straight line (even with the help of a ruler *raises hand*) then you might want to invest in something to help you ensure that your lines are straight or you can get circles perfect.  

Again, just know that you don't need anything super expensive to bullet journal.  Don't let those people with fancy, intricate spreads in their journals discourage you.  You don't even have to add color or anything like that to your journal.  Minimalist journals have just as pleasing as an aesthetic as the colorful ones. It is all a matter of what -you- want your journal to be.  As long as it is useful and designed to your needs that is all that matters.  

Let me know some of your favorite bullet journal supplies! I am also welcome to recommendations of things I should tryout in mine! 

Bye for now!